Lockdown 2.0 – Activities To Keep You Busy

Hello darkness, my old friend. It’s lockdown again here in the U.K. which doesn’t really feel too different from our Tier 3 status in Manchester except, to our horror, our beloved bars and restaurants are closed.

If you know me at all, you’ll know that, pre-pandemic, I spent far too much of my time and money in Manchester’s watering holes and eateries. It’s, simply, my very favourite hobby, and I will fight to the death with anyone who doesn’t categorize it as such.

It’s a dark time for us all, but, being the queen of positivity here at Embryo, I thought I’d share some covid friendly activities you can do to pass the next month. Now, some of these are things I do actually do myself, some I can’t do (knitting – those needles are far too sharp) but we are all different and that is what they call the spice of life.

Support your local bars and restaurants with a takeaway

Many independent bars and restaurants set up takeaway or collections during the original lockdown, so they will be able to provide this service again. They need us more than ever, so, if you’re one of the fortunate ones to keep your job and your income during the pandemic, please do support your indies. If you want to find the best ones in your area, Grub MCR have made an awesome list of places offering this service.

My Recommendation: Check out my favourite pizza place of all time, Double Zero in Chorlton. I’ve got an order in for tomorrow already.

Takeaways don’t have to be wolfed down on the couch. If you live with a partner or a friend make a night of it – get dressed up (or even just get dressed), light some candles, put on some music and try your hardest to pretend you’re wining and dining in the Northern Quarter.

Make your Christmas presents

Purse strings are tight, especially for those whose careers have been affected by the pandemic. Rather than spending lots of money on Christmas presents for your friends and family, go down the homemade route. The thought is always so much better than the gift itself, but you can actually make some pretty good gifts if you put your mind to it.

• Cookies
• Christmas tree decorations
• Knit scarves or socks

Country Living are much better at the crafty thing than I am, so check out their blog on 85 different homemade Christmas gifts. 

Now, full disclosure, I once made my best friend a jar of homemade aioli, as it’s her favourite condiment. It went bright green (because of the olive oil) and tasted disgusting, but, (so she tells me) she loved it and ate it all anyway. So, with it being November, you can take the time to practice any of your foodie gift ideas, and eat for yourself prior to potentially poisoning your nearest and dearest!

Set yourself a challenge

Whether you want a 28 day booty, to raise money for charity (our chaps are doing Movember), to complete a Google Analytics Academy Course, or to learn a new language, set yourself an achievable goal for the lockdown month. It can be a hard time for your self-esteem and your confidence, so setting a goal and smashing it will give you a much needed boost. I ran 100km over October and felt like Rocky when I finally completed the challenge.

I enjoyed the feeling so much, I’ve set myself the same challenge for November, plus to run a 1okm. If fitness isn’t your bag, read that book you’ve always wanted to but never got around to. Call the person you never call. Start the journal you bought in paperchase 2 years ago. Marie Kondo the heck out of your wardrobe.

Finally, keep your chin up. We will get through this eventually!